#75. Unity Across Denominations, Punjabi Christians Sing Psalms

Dr. Yousaf Sadiq shares the uniqueness of the Punjabi Psalms -- a successful example of contextualizing scripture for a culture with strong oral traditions. Collectively known as Zabur, these songs are an interdenominational source of strength. They unify Punjabi Christians who are often persecuted as a religious minority in Pakistan.

Dr. Sadiq has a new book, The Contextualized Psalms (Punjabi Zabur): A Precious Heritage of the Global Punjabi Christian Community.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why the Punjabi Psalter was well received after the Urdu Psalter was not
• A South Asian perspective on Jesus meeting the woman at the well
• What the global church can learn about worship from the Punjabi Psalter

ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Dr. Yousaf Sadiq earned his doctorate from the London School of Theology, UK. He is the author of a pioneer work that comprehensively encompasses the cultural, socio-historical, missional, and sociolinguistic aspects of the Punjabi Psalter. Dr. Sadiq teaches at Wheaton College in Illinois, and enjoys watching cricket.

SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:

Psalm 34: 8; Taste and see that the LORD is good

RELATED LINKS:

• Email Dr. Sadiq
• The Contextualized Psalms (Punjabi Zabur)
• Special Psalms Help Pakistani Christians with Persecution, Pandemic, and Disunity
• FB Page - Dr. Rev. Imam-ud-Din Shahbaz

TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:

00:34 - Introducing Dr. Yousaf Sadiq

02:44 - Extended Family across Nations

04:58 - Inspiration for Studying the Psalms in Punjabi

06:49 - What Does 'Zabur' Have to Do with the Psalms?

07:56 - Connecting the Psalms to Punjabi Culture -- Oral Traditions and Embracing the Psalms

11:22 - The Uniqueness of the Punjabi Psalter

14:31 - Indigenous Melodies and Local Worship

19:53 - All Punjabi Christians are United in Song

21:19 - Psalms in Church Liturgy and Community Gathering

26:16 - The Imprecatory Psalms amid Persecution of Christians in Pakistan

30:58 - Do the Imprecatory Psalms Have a Place in Christ's Church?

35:22 - The Psalms as a Bridge to the Muslim Community

41:00 - Contextualizing the Psalms or the Epistles in Poetic Form?

43:38 - Recognizing the Gospel and Connecting with People

47:40 - The Significance of the Original Languages of Scripture

55:50 - Jesus and the Woman at the Well -- a South Asian Perspective

62:26 - Processing Grief and Suffering with the Psalms

64:47 - The Psalms as Encouragement for the Global Church

70:27 - Contacting Dr. Yousaf Sadiq

71:38 - The Train Joke

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